Sixth measles case in Cork-Kerry in weeks

Another measles case was confirmed in the South West region this week, the sixth in the area, which is made up of Cork and Kerry, in just over three weeks.

People who may have been exposed received letters from the HSE saying: “You/your child has been identified as having had contact with an individual with suspect measles during a recent visit to either Cork University Hospital or SouthDoc Kinsale Road on Sunday, 19th May 2024.”

They were warned to be on the lookout for symptoms for 21 days following the exposure, but one infected person can spread it to 15 others in an unvaccinated population, so that additional people may have been infected since.

A spokesperson for HSE Public Health Area D (Cork and Kerry) said it “can confirm that there are six, linked, confirmed cases in the South West region”, but added “given the small numbers involved, we cannot give any further details on locations as this may inadvertently identify individuals”.

They added: “There are increased numbers of confirmed cases internationally and we remind everyone to remain vigilant, especially if you have not had two doses of MMR vaccination.”

Information on who should get the MMR catch-up vaccine and how to access it is available on the HSE’s website.

The spokesperson warned: “If you think you might have measles, please seek medical advice. It is very important to phone ahead prior to attending your GP, emergency department or other healthcare provider to inform them that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements.

“In addition, please alert medical staff if you have been in contact with someone who has measles, or if you have recently travelled to an area where you know measles has been spreading.”